Invercargill City Council is seeking a dedicated and capable Animal Management Officer to join our Environmental Services team. You'll play a key role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both animals and people by delivering high-quality animal control services in accordance with legislation, bylaws and Council policy.

This is a permanent full-time position working 40 hours per week, between the hours of 8.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday, both days inclusive.

What you'll do:

In this hands-on and community-facing position, you will:

• Provide animal care and welfare on a daily basis including feeding, watering, cleaning, exercising and enrichment in accordance with legislation, welfare and council policies.
• Assist team members with site visits, animal intakes, processing and any other activities in line with policies and legislation ensuring respectful and humane treatment.
• Maintain clean, safe and hygienic environment across all operational spaces.
• Educate the public on responsible dog ownership and promote animal welfare.
• Carry out impounding duties, including transportation, care, welfare monitoring, and microchipping.
• Maintain up-to-date facility registers and records of impounded animals, adoptions and releases and assisting with contractor coordination when required.
• Actively support and provide community education initiatives, providing clear and practical education on responsible animal ownership.
• Undertake proactive checks for registration, microchipping, issue warnings and notices within delegated authority.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date and auditable records of animal intake, care, treatments, movements, inspections, complaints and outcomes in line with legislative and organisational requirements.
• Monitor ongoing compliance and escalate serious, repeat or high‑risk matters to management.

What you will bring (desirable):

• Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Animal Care, Veterinary Nursing, Animal Management, Veterinary Technology or equivalent relevant experience
• Full NZ driver's licence (manual and automatic)
• Minimum 2 years' experience in animal care, animal management or a related field
• Strong understanding of dog behaviour and animal welfare with strong handling skills
• High physical fitness and stamina
• Safety-focused and detail orientated
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to deal with difficult or confrontational situations
• Experience working with legislation, administration and report writing would be an advantage
• Decision-making, judgement and a team player

Ideally, you'll bring prior experience as an Animal Management Officer, along with a relevant qualification such as Veterinary Nursing or Animal Welfare. Familiarity with the Dog Control Act, Local Government Act, and Council bylaws, as well as compliance-related unit standards, will be an advantage but is not essential.

What we offer:

• Career progression and training/development opportunities
• Positive focus of employee health and well-being: Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc
• Kiwisaver and Superannuation Schemes
• Access to sick leave from day one of employment
• Appointment time leave: Up to 2 hours for important appointments eg. Doctor, bank, dentist

Waihōpai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland. We're known for our lush green spaces, like award-winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and our local legend Burt Munro. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There's outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach & the Waihōpai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complimented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene are hard to beat! The sensible gridded layout featuring wide streets ensures a convenient 10-minute drive to work. Who wouldn't want to call this place home!

Invercargill City Council is committed to the safety of children, the elderly, and vulnerable adults. As this position involves working with these groups, Police Vetting (under the Children's Act 2014) and a pre-employment drug and alcohol test are required to ensure a safe environment for all.

If you're ready to take on a meaningful role that balances animal care, community education and enforcement - we want to hear from you! View the full position description or contact Invercargill City Council at (03) 211 177.

Applications close 2 November 2026. Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be considered, preference will be given to candidates currently residing in New Zealand.